Top Budapest Night Cruises

It's easy to find a highly rated Budapest night cruise as they're one of the most popular activities in the area. Based on prior customers' reviews and ratings, these are the top picks: 

• Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music
• Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music
• Evening Cruise on the Danube with Optional Drinks
• Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise
• Budapest Night Walking Tour with Danube River Cruise

Yes, they are worth it. Visitors to Budapest consistently rate night cruises as a top activity as they let you see Hungary’s capital city in a different light. You can experience Hungarian culture and some even let you try local cuisine while onboard.

The cost for a Budapest night cruise typically starts at US$20 per person—that's for cruises that don't include dinner. If you are looking for a night cruise with a buffet dinner, you will pay around US$100 per person. In both cases, alcoholic beverages typically cost extra.

You can find night cruises in Budapest starting as early as 4:30pm but they typically set sail around 7pm. Be sure to check what time the sun will set on the day of your cruise if you want to see the city all lit up at night.

All Budapest night cruises include a sail down the Danube River that will take you under famous bridges and past historical sites such as the Hungarian Parliament Building. You can also expect live musical performances and other entertainment. Some cruises include dinner and drinks in their ticket price.

Budapest night cruises are a great way to see the city's landmarks when they're illuminated. You’ll cruise down the Danube River before turning around and returning to the dock. Traditional music and dance performances are typically a part of these cruises, and you will likely have a guide pointing out important buildings along the way.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Budapest aside from night cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Dinner Cruises

• Water Parks

• Bus Tours

• Bike Rentals

• Spas

Budapest night cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Downtown Sightseeing Cruise

• Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise

• Budapest Premium River Cruises With Welcome Tokaj and Audio Guide

• Evening Cruise on the Danube With Optional Drinks

• 10pm Budapest Danube Cruise With Live Music & Food or Drinks

Night cruises are popular in Budapest, and many options are available. Before booking, know the difference between a night cruise and a dinner cruise: Some evening cruises provide dinner and entertainment, while others are sightseeing trips after dark that don’t include food or drinks (although these may be available at an extra cost). Straightforward night cruises are a good option if you’re on a tighter budget or have limited time, as they’re generally cheaper and shorter than dinner cruises.

Make sure you’re familiar with the night photography function on your phone or camera before boarding a night cruise in Budapest, so you can take the best pictures of the city’s attractions lit up after dark. If the weather’s good, choose an outdoor seat as these typically provide the most unobstructed views. Pack a layer as it can get chillier after dark.

The best time of year to book a Budapest night cruise is between April and October, when the weather should be mild enough to sit outside and enjoy the views from the deck. The Danube River partially freezes in winter; while night cruises still operate from November to March, the conditions are much colder, and you probably won’t want to sit outside.